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We’re well into 2019, and it seems PDGM (Patient-Driven Groupings Model) is among the most discussed healthcare topics at the moment. From industry trade publications to speakers at national conferences, everyone is talking about how PDGM will affect home health agencies in 2020. The information can be insightful, but it can also be overwhelming. Here is a key-point summary that will help your home health agency prepare for 2020, both financially and operationally.

The moment PDGM (The Patient-Driven Groupings Model) takes effect in the year 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) looks to see their new edict change the landscape of home health care operations, specifically with regard to double billing. With PDGM representing the largest wholesale revamp in many years, agencies and providers will need to dedicate significant attention to using this year to ensure proper preparation. With the number of changes in store, inevitably some agencies will contest specific aspects of PDGM’s new requirements.

January 2020 OASIS-D Changes

 

OASIS-D to OASIS-D1 Information

OASIS-D is the current version of the OASIS data set. It was implemented on January 1, 2019. OASIS-D introduces new standardized items to support measurement domains mandated by the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act of 2014. New items were also added for standardization to align with assessment sets for other post-acute care settings. Several items were also removed to reduce provider and patient burden. OASIS-D was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 6, 2018, with an intended expiration date of 12/31/2021.

National Shortage of Home Care Workers Drives Agencies to Recruit Retired, Aged Workers 

Agencies & organizations providing home health and home care in the U.S have felt the brunt of a growing shortage of able and qualified workers at an increasing pace over the last few years. With competition from other more lucrative industries siphoning off younger freshly educated potential workers, Home Health agencies have been turning to a seemingly unlikely source, in retired workers. While many of these workers may carry higher associated costs such as healthcare of their own, the level of skill, patient care, and professionalism has driven many home health care organizations to increase recruitment from this pool of the former fulltime workforce.

Home health is a dynamic industry that requires constant review of regulations changes.  In 2018 the industry experienced a major update to the Conditions of Participation including revisions to the plan of care and comprehensive assessments. So far 2019 has brought a fairly high level of arguably drastic changes. In this article we will highlight some of those changes,  and where relevant point out any direct impact to your Home Health Software or your agency’s operations as whole.

What Agencies Should Know About the OASIS-D Changes Effective January 1st 2019

 

Alora is committed to keeping home health professionals informed about regulatory changes that affect your businesses, patients, and staff. With December right around the corner, many are preparing for the January first, 2019 implementation date for OASIS-D.

Hospitals and Homecare Agencies...

Homecare agency owners small and large have recently had good reason for optimism over a provision in the health care reform bill related to the home care industry’s opportunity with hospitals. Thanks to a provision in health care reform legislation that penalizes hospitals that fail to reduce their hospitalization rates for three specific diagnoses, Homecare agencies have the opportunity to be more than just a provider. They can actually come to the rescue of hospitals and develop mutually advantageous relationships that keep the hospital in compliance, and increase business for the Home care agency.